We should honor our veterans

Veterans Day has its roots in Armistice Day - the day that honors the armistice between Germany and the allies of World War I, which was signed in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 21.5 million military veterans living in the U.S. in 2011 and, of that number, 9.2 million veterans are 65 and older. Those numbers are in contrast to 21.9 million total veterans just two years ago and, while the number of older veterans has grown slightly in that time period, it's clear we're losing veterans who remember the experience of World War II - figures show the number is now 1.8 million, down from 2.3 million just two years ago.

It's become more and more clear that we need to engage our older veterans hear their stories and use them to help the younger generation of veterans - 1.8 million of our veterans are under 35, a growing number - cope and handle life after their service.

Younger veterans are returning to our county and deal with trauma from injuries and experiences born in combat. A recent study found death by suicide is the second-leading cause of death, trailing only combat deaths.

The leading cause of those self-inflicted death was a desire to end intense emotional distress. New ways to treat underlying problems such as depression and post-traumatic stress will hopefully lead to a decrease in those numbers.

As we've ended obligations in Iraq and begin ceasing our commitment to Afghanistan, another 286 soldiers died in Afghanistan this year, according to icasualties.org.

The deaths of more than 2,000 service members in the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, and the more than 4,400 who died in Iraq, are stark reminders of the price of conflict.

Veterans Day is not only about those men and women and the losses we've mourned, but about the service members who have served in our military in times of peace and war.

It's also about those sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and men and women who spent time away from their families, sometimes on a battlefield or in conflict and humbly submitting to a greater cause.

Sandusky County has more than 5,770 veterans living here.

They've returned home after service to country and displaying a strong sense of selflessness, bravery and determination to uphold our ideals.

We respect them for their service and honor their ideals.

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We should honor our veterans

Veterans Day has its roots in Armistice Day ? the day that honors the armistice between Germany and the allies of World War I, which was signed in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.